By Johnathan Paoli
The DA has warned that it will not stay in the Government of National Unity at all costs, stating that should the continuing disrespect it is experiencing at the hands of the ANC continue, it will no longer be feasible to remain within the coalition.
Party leader John Steenhuisen, joined by senior leaders Ivan van der Meyer and Helen Zille, addressed the media on Tuesday following the DA’s federal conference.
Steenhuisen emphasised the importance of trust, respect and communication within a coalition, stressing that his party refused to be reduced to mere spectators in the current policy direction of the country.
“The DA refuses to be a part of any government that attempts to destroy either the Constitution or the economy,” Steenhuisen said.
Addressing the contentious National Health Insurance Act, Steenhuisen reiterated that while the DA was in favour of universal healthcare, it remained opposed to how the NHI would be implemented.
He said other parties in the GNU were also unhappy with the policy.
They were concerned about the impact of the NHI on the economy.
Steenhuisen warned that the implementation of the NHI could foster international economic consequences, saying the confidence of investors was dependent upon a GNU that worked.
“We don’t feel trapped. We entered the GNU with our eyes wide open. Let me be clear, we are not here to further the National Democratic Revolution; we are here to further the inclusive growth of the economy and jobs,” Steenhuisen said.
He stressed that there was a need for a “reset” of the power relations within the GNU, considering the ANC’s disregard and disrespect of the DA, which arguably constituted the only other major party within the coalition.
“We will not be taken for granted,” he said.
Steenhuisen told reporters that his party delivered, and that ideology did not feed stomachs.
INSIDE POLITICS
